In NHS Orkney, just 83.3per cent of those who were urgently referred with a suspicion of cancer started treatment within 62 days.

While 100per cent of people referred after breast screening received help within the target time, only 84.5per cent of patients referred from the colorectal screening programme started their treatment within two months.

The figures also showed another key cancer waiting times target continues to be achieved.

Between April and June, 98per cent of patients started receiving help within 31 days of a decision being taken to treat them - exceeding the target of 95per cent.

Only NHS Forth Valley failed to achieve this, with 93.7per cent of patients starting treatment within the timescale.

Across Scotland in the last year almost 22,000 patients were treated within the 31-day standard while almost 12,000 started treatment within 62 days of urgent referral.

Health Secretary Alex Neil said: "We know how important it is for both patients and their families to have as short a wait as possible for both diagnostic tests and treatment, and that is why we are continuing to drive down waiting times for cancer patients across Scotland.

"Alongside this, our £30 million Detect Cancer Early programme aims to diagnose cancers earlier and treat patients when less aggressive treatment is required.

"Together, all of this will improve survival and reap benefits for patients, their families and all of Scotland."